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Posted by Brian Manzullo
Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

For those worried that the Detroit Red Wings are on the decline from four Stanley Cups in a 12-year span: ESPN disagrees.

In fact, the Wings may be among the best prepared for future success, according to their NHL "future power rankings": Detroit ranks second, only behind the defending Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

A panel of six hockey analysts tabulated the rankings by grading teams' rosters, prospects, cap/contracts and owner/GM/coach to determine an overall score. The analysts particularly graded the Red Wings well in terms of prospects (8.17 out of 10) and owner/GM/coach (9.5). ...